Heirs of War, Destiny of One

By Mara Valderran

4
Heirs of War, Destiny of One
by Mara Valderran (Author)
The final installment of the epic fantasy series Heirs of War.

Word traveled quickly of Zelene's sacrifice and the power she wielded to bring back the dead, trading her own life for those her loved ones had lost. The tragic loss of a Duillaine rippled through the worlds, almost as if connected by their shared grief in unspoken agreement. Kings, queens, and peasants alike flocked to Anscombe as preparations for her funeral went on.

The only problem with a funeral? You need to be dead. But Zelene wasn't about to announce that she was back in the land of the living. Taking advantage of the distraction and isolation their mourning was supposed to afford them, the Duillaine decide to set off on another rescue mission: Find Nandalia.

Which meant returning to Kellen's lands and coming face to face with the threat of the Cahiran army hellbent on destroying them. With their power growing, the girls find themselves racing against fate to end the war before the prophecy can claim the ultimate sacrifice from them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mara Valderran
• Release date: Nov 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215578766

Mara Valderran

Mara Valderran is an author of young adult and new adult books, but she's more than just a madwoman with a writing box. She is an avid reader and fan of all things sci-fi and fantasy. She loves roller skating and movies, though typically not together. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and demanding cat. She hopes to one day meet Daniel Jackson from SG1, or at least the actor who played him. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing video games, or counting down the days until DragonCon.

Book preview

Heirs of War, Destiny of One

Book Four

Mara Valderran

Copyright © 2023 Marie Scoggins

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

This book is dedicated to my fellow geek in arms, my person, my love, my miracle, my husband: Justin. In all my storytelling, I could never have created a better or more fitting love story than the one I share with you. Thank you for always supporting me and giving me more love than I ever dreamed was possible to receive.

This book series is dedicated to my littlest big miracle: my baby girl Kaelin. You were named after a character in the book series your dad and I first bonded over, so it's fitting for you to have an entire book series dedicated to you. And to hopefully help pay for your college tuition one day.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

The Prophecy

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Epilogue

Heirs of War Series

About The Author

Find Mara Online

Afterword

Acknowledgement

The Prophecy

"...And the fifth shall be marked by the powers.

When the blood of the five is shed,

A new power will be bestowed upon them,

A power none have witnessed before.

The mark of the five shall complete the circle

And their blood will be the sacrifice

In which a new era is born

Uniting all worlds as one..."

Chapter 1

Dying sure did take its toll on a gal.

That's what Zelene had come to realize since opening her eyes. Solanna had rushed from the room immediately, so Varrick had been the one to break the news to her. She hadn't responded. After all, it wasn't that surprising she'd come back from the dead. She wasn't the first of the Duillaine to be resurrected and, if her math was right, she wouldn't be the last.

But man, did this rising from the dead thing make a girl want to take a nap.

Bianca breezed into the room, her face a mask of calm but Zelene could tell by the slight pinch of her eyes that she was concerned. Solanna followed on her heels and closed the door behind her softly, then turned around with her back to the entrance like she was guarding Zelene.

Zelene quirked a brow. Hey there, B. Apparently I did the whole Lazarus trick, huh?

Bianca moved to her side, placing her hand on Zelene's forehead and using the other to take her pulse. If that's some D'haran reference to rising from the dead, then yes, you could say that.

Zelene leaned closer, trying to lower her voice to where Solanna might not hear. It's not like this is a new development. What gives?

Rising from the dead is not exactly a normal occurrence, Solanna chided. Let the paion do her work.

Zelene pulled her arm away from Bianca and crossed her arms over her chest, fixing Solanna with a glare. It is for us, okay? I didn't start this trend. You know what I can do. I saw Rhaya and Izzy die. I saw their ghosts. So will everyone please relax, she scooted to the edge of the bed and kicked her legs over the side, and back off-- her words cut off when her weak legs wobbled underneath her, and she fell into Varrick's ready arms.

Varrick's grasp was firm and insistent as he guided her back to her hospital bed. You will sit there and let the paion make sure you are alright.

Zelene's smartass retort about not being his kid died on her lips. Not only was it too harsh since she'd just found out that he had a kid--Sheridan. But in the depths of his eyes, she saw an unmistakable fear that spoke of tears threatening to spill once more. He typically had a tall, imposing stature, yet he seemed much more vulnerable now. She had never seen him like this before—it was almost as if he’d suddenly become human.

I'm sorry I scared you, Varrick. All of you. I promise, I feel fine. Five-minute dirt nap is all it takes to perk me right up. No one laughed, but they all three looked aghast. Gah. Tough crowd.

Bianca took her arm again with a huff. Forgive us our shock, but since you were dead for a week, we had come to grips with the idea that you wouldn't rise again. I'd like to make sure there are no ill effects from your death, if that's alright.

Zelene blinked at the paion, and her thoughts started racing with fears of being brain damaged. Didn't oxygen deprivation cause brain damage? But if someone was brain damaged, would they know that? Right. I think that would be a good idea, she croaked and put Bianca's hand back against her forehead. Where is everyone?

They don't know, Solanna admitted softly and started picking at her cuticles. I thought it best we wait until...

Until you know I'm not going to eat any brains or kill over again. Got it, Zelene said. She tried to ignore the pounding in her chest as she tried to evaluate herself. She felt normal. Tired, maybe. Physically weak, definitely. Something felt a little off, but she couldn't place what. She could feel something small inside her that was different. Not necessarily wrong, but definitely... different.

What do you remember? Bianca asked as she moved to evaluate Zelene's limbs. She lifted her arms over her head and let them drop, then lifted each leg, bending it and then letting it drop.

She thought back to the last thing she remembered. Kyle. She turned to Varrick, frowning. Kyle was there?

He crossed his arms and nodded curtly, his dark eyes burning with rage as he remembered what had happened. He brought the whole building down. It's lucky no one else was hurt.

Is that how I--

No, Solanna answered sharply. No, you died because you were using magic you had no right to. Tapping into powers that should have been left alone.

Is this really the best time for a lecture? Varrick asked and rubbed the area between his eyes. He strode to her side, bending down on one knee next to her bed. Kiddo, you did something wonderful and crazy.

She dropped her gaze to the sheet Bianca folded across her and picked at a loose thread. Did it work?

Yes, Solanna said tearfully. Yes, it worked quite well.

That's enough for now, Bianca announced, ready to present her findings. She stood at the foot of Zelene's bed and scribbled something on the notepad she kept in her pocket and then looked up. Zelene needs to rest. There's nothing out of the ordinary, but her body has been through quite an ordeal. I believe with proper rest, she will be back to normal in a few days.

Zelene leaned back against her pillows while they discussed whether to announce her recovery to the others yet. They went back and forth, talking over her like she wasn't there. On the one hand, no one wanted to keep the people who were mourning Zelene in their grief. On the other, they didn't want to crowd her while she was still recovering.

Don't tell them, she said, surprising them. Give me a day or so. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened. I think I need some time alone. All three nodded but no one made any move to leave. "Actually alone, guys. Like now."

Varrick shook his head. If you think for one second I'm leaving your side again--

You've got bigger problems, she said and looked pointedly at Solanna. Work it out and make things right with her. You guys really screwed up by not saying anything before now, you do know that, right?

Bianca's brows drew down as she read between the lines of their conversation. You intend to tell Sheridan? Are you out of your minds?

You knew? Zelene asked incredulously.

Bianca scoffed and waved her off. Knew I was treating a child who was part Cyneward, part Duillaine? Of course. I'm not a novice. She turned to Solanna and Varrick and gestured to the door. I believe we should speak alone in my office. She whipped back around to Zelene. Don't breathe a word of this to anyone if you value Sheridan's life. Do you understand?

Zelene placed her hand over her heart and held up the other in oath. I'm not even supposed to be breathing, so I promise not to tell anyone.

And stop making jokes about your demise, Bianca snapped. It's in poor taste to those who have been grieving you. She opened the door wide enough for Varrick and Solanna to slip through and then closed it behind her.

Zelene curled onto her side and closed her eyes, but now she was afraid to sleep. She found herself searching for her heartbeat like she needed to make sure it was there. An entire week. Rhaya and Isauria had only been dead for minutes, at most. But she'd been dead an entire week. What did that mean?

She flipped over and smooshed the pillow beneath her head, but she couldn't get comfortable. Her whole body felt tight and heavy, like something was coiled within her and ready to spring. She tried calling her mother or Ellowyn to her, but no one came. Maybe that's what felt so different in her--she'd lost her ability to call the dead. As much as she complained about it, she couldn't fathom not having her gift. Not being able to see Ellowyn or Nandalia again. As twisted as it might be, having their ghosts at her disposal made her feel like she wasn't alone. Tears ran down her nose and pooled onto the pillow when she realized she didn't even get to say goodbye to them.

She had dozed off and was suddenly awakened by voices in her bedroom. One of them yelped after stumbling over a chair. She recognized the voice chiding the clumsy young man.

You're going to get us caught, Ellowyn hissed. That was loud enough to wake the dead.

Nice to see Zelene's sense of humor has rubbed off on you, Cedwen retorted. I still don't understand why you insisted we come here.

I needed to see her, Ellowyn said softly as she knelt by the bed. She looks like she's sleeping.

Well, I was, Zelene said dryly and stretched her arms over her head. "But Cedwen is loud enough to wake the dead. She sat up and rubbed her bleary eyes, then yawned widely. Sorry, dying really makes me want to nap. Where've you been, Ell? I was calling to you earlier, but you didn't..." Zelene sat up straighter and cut her eyes to Cedwen. He was talking to Ellowyn. Without using her as a medium.

Ellowyn's dark eyes brimmed with tears, and she took Zelene's hand while it all clicked into place for her. You brought me back. And I knew you'd come back as well. They all said no, it was too late, but I knew you would fight.

You're alive, Zelene finally said. She grinned and dove into her best friend's arms, hugging her tight. How?

You, Ellowyn said. She bit her bottom lip to contain her glee. They told me what you did. You brought me back. Ellowyn paused to take a deep breahth. Zelene, I think you brought us all back. The words hung heavy in the air between the two women, charged with elation and disbelief alike.

All? Zelene repeated, hope filling her chest. My mother?

I don't know, but I don't see why not. Your father and brother want to go look for her, but they... they wanted to lay you to rest first.

Somehow, even after finding out how long she’d been dead, the idea of a funeral hadn’t occurred to her. It made the whole situation feel more real. And definitely more awkward. Wow, so they've been planning my funeral? Weird.

People have come from all over, Ellowyn told her and then reached out to take her hand again. The Baiul arrived yesterday. Your father's family is here. The Tullians. Even Cedwen's parents came.

Cedwen still hadn't spoken. He leaned forward, clutching the rail at the foot of the bed. His shoulders shook with his tears of relief. Zelene raised herself onto her knees and moved to kneel in front of him. She touched his face, wiping away his tears, and he let out a sob, then buried his face in her palm, laying kisses against her skin. She pulled him against her chest and let him cry, whispering soothing noises into his hair as he held her tight, his fists balling around her chemise.

I'm sorry, he said, pulling away and scrubbing his face with his hands. I thought I'd lost you.

I know, she whispered and took his hand, guiding him around to the bed beside her. She curled up in his arms and sighed. But I'm here now.

How long have you been awake again? Ellowyn asked her. She frowned towards the door, like something on the other side was offending her.

I think it might have been a few hours. I don't know. Why?

We had to sneak in, Cedwen clarified as he ran his fingers gently through her hair. Bianca said no one was allowed in or out anymore. I thought maybe she'd grown tired of all the traffic in the leigheas.

I told them I wanted to be alone, Zelene explained. She tightened her grip when Cedwen made to move. Don't. You two are the only people in the worlds I want to see right now. She smiled when he kissed the top of her head and nestled back against her pillows.

Ellowyn plopped down on the bed beside her and turned her head to grin at Zelene. Let’s make a pact to never die again.

Done, Zelene laughed. They settled into a contented silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence and the momentary relief from grief and the war looming in the near distant future. It was fitting to have them both there–the two individuals from the very start who had been by her side through it all.

She didn't understand what had happened. At the time, Zelene had only known that she could do it. She could bring Kenward back. She could make things right. Deep down, she'd known the cost. Maybe she'd also been fine with that because she knew she'd come back from the dead like the others. Or maybe it didn't matter to her as long as it worked, and Terrena was happy again.

She'd been willing to pay the price then, but she was willing to stay dead for another month if it meant having this moment right now with her best friend curled up beside her. She'd pay even more if it meant bringing her mother back, but something told her she already had. They needed to find her. She smiled to herself, realizing she'd been back to the land of the living for a few hours and already she had a new mission.

Find Nandalia.

Chapter 2

Sheridan noticed him hovering in the hallway the night before when she'd returned from an extremely awkward dinner with Solanna, Devland, and Mira. He'd been trying to hide in the shadows, but stealth was clearly not his strong suit since she could see the outline of his floppy hair in the dark. Now, when she'd decided to take a walk to clear her head, she saw him from the corner of her eye near the steps to the castle. He stood out in the crowds that were constantly building in the city since word of Zelene's death had spread. It was ridiculous that he thought he could blend in. It wasn't like they'd never met. She saw him all the time.

All. The. Time.

He tried to act casually as he spun around and began walking away, but Sheridan had had enough. She snapped her wrist and sent a tree branch in his direction, causing him to fall over.  She stomped up to him where he now sat on the ground nursing his sore backside. His nose crinkled from the discomfort.

Oh, hello, cousin, Brendan tried to sound chipper and surprised to see her.

She stepped closer to him and put her hands firmly on her hips, speaking in a sharp tone. Don't even try it, she warned, disregarding the audience who had gathered to watch the commotion. You've been following me. Why?

He frowned, defeated. I'm that obvious, am I?

Yes, she answered directly, still demanding an answer from him. She'd managed to win the trust of the Duillaine enough to be free to roam around, yet here he was, suspiciously watching her every move. Even Varrick had backed off for now, though his absence was probably due more to his heavy heart than any other reason.

He cast a look around and dropped his voice, wary of those listening in. Not here.

She stepped back so he could stand up without her menacing over him. What do you mean?

I need to talk to you. In private.

Sheridan dropped her arms to her sides, remembering he'd said that before they'd all rushed off to rescue Terrena. You need me and Zelene.

He shook his head. Just you. I was only going to tell Zelene... I thought she should know. I guess that doesn't matter now.

She nodded grimly. She didn't know Zelene well, but she could feel the loss of her in everyone else. What do you need from me?

He gestured for her to follow him and offered her his arm. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and smoothed her face of any reaction. Kellen had taught her to never show emotion. She raised her chin high, not deigning to meet the gazes of those currently gossiping about her and her cousin as they walked down the cobblestone path towards the woods.

Where are we going?

He cut his eyes to her in a patronizing manner that crawled under her skin. You know where we're going. I want to see him.

She jerked her hand away, angry she'd thought there was something more to this than the spectacle Kyle was. He's not some circus act for your entertainment.

Brendan rolled his eyes and took her hand again, smacking it onto the crook of his elbow and holding it there. I know. More than you think, he added cryptically.

As if to prove his point, instead of guiding them further down the wooded trail, he veered their path to the east. He even redirected them at the same marker she used—a large gnarled stump of a felled redwood. How long had he been following her?

I can see that you know where I've been going every day for the past week, she snapped. Are you going to leverage this over me? What do you hope to gain?

He shook his head sadly, drawing in a slow breath. You always think the worst in people, don't you?

They tend to prove me right, she said darkly.

He stopped walking and turned to face her when they crossed a small stream. I joined the Council recently. It's a perk to being the son of a Duillaine. Part of my grooming, I guess, before I get married off to some princess from another world.

I'm not like the others, Sheridan said impatiently. I know how the politics work.

Right.  His lips tightened into a grimace as he peered out into the forest ahead of them. It's supposed to be for show, as you know. I don't get to make any real decisions. Or know anything important. I just sit there when the people come to air their grievances and smile and nod at whatever decision is made.

Sheridan huffed, really hoping there was more to this than some spoiled prince crying about not having enough power. She was growing impatient as she waited for him to get to the heart of the matter. What did he want? What terms did he expect her to accept in exchange for keeping her dealings with Kyle secret?

He carried on speaking, oblivious to her impatience, or simply apathetic to it. But I'm not good at sitting back. I like to observe. It's what I've always done and what I continued doing once I joined the Council. I started noticing things. Whispered conversations. Resources being reallocated. I thought they were stealing, at first.

She straightened, his dire tone catching her attention. She held up her hand and then summoned a light whistling wind. It swirled around them as they stood in the center of the circle of protection she'd cast. Go on. If anyone's nearby, they won't be able to hear us.

He watched the wind twist around them in awe. You're going to have to teach me that trick.

"This trick takes a lot of effort, so maybe you could skip the backstory and get to the secretive stuff." She didn't want to talk about where she'd learned it or how she'd used it. Kellen was nothing if not talented, but Sheridan didn't want to be reminded of all she'd gleaned from her time as a Cahiran daughter.

Fair enough. I don't think the Cahirans did this to Kyle. I know everyone says that's why you and Alec can touch him, but I don't think that's the case.

What do you think it is? If not what Kellen did to us, she asked nervously. She turned away from him, feigning concentration on maintaining the barrier but really trying to avoid his pitiful gaze. How else would you explain why I can touch him too?

Brendan rested his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it to convey his sympathy. I'm sorry. I know talking about the Cahirans and everything done to you is hard. I don't mean to upset you, and I honestly don't have any answers for you. Just Kyle.

I don't understand. If you think you know something about Kyle, why follow me around?

He ran his fingers through his hair roughly and paced to the edge of their circle. He shook his head, turning back around. There's no good way to say this. Your father isn't a good man.

My father?

Devland, he clarified and took a pleading step forward. "I'm sorry, I know you've just been reunited with him, but he's up to something and it has to do with Kyle. I overheard him talking to my parents. They were mad at him about an experiment taken too far. They couldn't believe he'd used someone so close to the girls who would be noticed. But he wasn't apologetic at all. Sheridan, he said that it had to be Kyle because of his relationship with Zelene."

Her eyebrows shot up. You think Devland did this to Kyle?

Not directly, but I think he sanctioned it. And I don't think Kyle's the only one. I think... I think that they've been experimenting on the Tainted.

Her jaw dropped along with her concentration. Her barrier came down, and Brendan whipped around like he thought they were being attacked. She didn't bother to put the barrier back up again. Do you think the whole Council is in on this?

He held out his hands with a shrug. I have no idea. I doubt Nolan would know about it. He's always had a soft spot for the Tainted.

"And Arland seems to be soft in general," she continued and paced away, deep in thought while she gave the other Council members consideration. She didn't know Leone that well, but he was racist enough to turn a blind eye to something like this at the very least. Clearly Sylvanna and Morissey knew but weren't happy about it. She let out a disgusted huff, thinking she couldn't believe people thought she was the one who had been raised by a monster. At least Kellen didn't hide her scales like the Duillaine did. Why come to me about this? You said you needed me.

You have your mother's gift, he explained. You're... well, you're sort of the perfect spy when it comes to our family. I thought you could follow your father and see what he does. See where he goes.

Her face fell, knowing this was the one thing she couldn't do. I can't help you, she said firmly before turning to the familiar path that would take her to Kyle.

Brendan was not going to take no for an answer. He rushed after her. Why not? Don't you want to know what happened to him? Don't you want to at least know what kind of a man your father really is? Or did your time with Kellen make you numb to innocents being brutalized right under your nose?

She suddenly came to a halt, her emotions surging as she struggled with the secrets weighing her down. She used to relish the secrets Kellen shared with her; it made her feel special. But it was all different now. They felt like stains on her very soul. Returning to Anscombe hadn’t provided any sort of relief. There were too many political factions hiding from one another. Too many people expecting her loyalty. Solanna, Ariana, Alec, and now Brendan. He expected her to obey blindly, and she found she couldn't take it anymore.

She spun around to face him, and he flinched in surprise, expecting her to lash out. I know who my father is. It's not Devland.

He softened and reached for her. You aren’t a Cahiran, Sheridan. You have to know that by now.

She jerked away from him. I'm not stupid or crazy. I know Solanna is my mother, she said reluctantly. She had accepted that truth already, even if she hadn't let it fully sink in. I'm saying that when she married Devland, she was already pregnant with me.

He tilted his head, puzzled by this news. Are you sure? Solanna was having an affair?

I can't see Devland, she spat out and started walking again. "I figured it out pretty fast. Who I can see and who I can't see. Who I knew was related to me by blood and who I thought wasn't, but I could still see. It didn't take long to figure out who my dad really is."

So, when you say you can't help me...

It's because I really can't, she said apologetically. She slowed her pace and brushed her hair off her face. She noticed a coin on the ground nearby and walked to it. She knelt and picked it up, smiling at one of the few comforting memories she had from her messed up childhood. One that felt like family. She straightened and turned to her cousin, feeling the pull of the family she always felt out of reach once more. I want to. I really do. But I'm not sure how I could. The only people I'm related to by blood on the Council are you and Nolan. Seeing as how you brought this to me, I'm doubting you're a suspect.

And it's doubtful Nolan is either, he said heavily. He threw his head back and groaned with defeat. There has to be something we can do.

Why does this matter so much to you? She didn't mean for the question to sound so accusatory, but it struck her as odd that Brendan would take such stock in the Tainted. He'd grown up looking down his nose at them and probably barely ever realized they were there. What does it matter if they kill a few Tainted here and there?

He rolled his eyes. Don't try to turn me into some bleeding heart. What they are doing is clearly dangerous. Look what Kyle did when Zelene died. He nearly took the whole building down. My sister and I were right next door. People could have been killed.

Someone was killed, she reminded him.

No, I heard about what Zelene did. Her own magic killed her. And as much as I miss her sarcastic remarks and take-no-prisoners attitude, this isn't about her. I was only going to tell her because of what they said.

So, you don't care that the Tainted are being tortured and killed? she clarified. Sorry, just trying to find out what type of grey moral territory we're navigating here.

Yes, of course I care. The Tainted might be cursed or whatever, but they do not deserve to die like that. Or be turned into something else like what they did to Kyle. He shook his head, fighting to find the words. It's not right. I might not be a champion to the Tainted, but one thing I am is a believer in the Duillaine. Not our parents, he rushed on when she opened her mouth to protest. "Zelene and the others. It is especially important now that we don't undo the things that she did when she was alive. Maybe this is how the prophecy comes to pass. But not if our parents are experimenting on the very people she claimed